A goth garden is an increasingly popular garden style which captures the essence of gothic aesthetics with its eerie atmosphere. This type of garden is characterized by dark foliage, dramatic flowers, and Victorian-era architectural elements. A goth garden can remind one of an old, overgrown graveyard or a haunted Victorian garden.
The revival of gothic elements in garden design taps into a love for the moody, the romantic, and the macabre. It is often inspired by gothic literature, architecture, and modern goth subcultures.
By the way, despite the photo above, you cannot grow black roses in a goth garden. Why? Because black roses cannot yet be grown on a rose bush. Typically, any black rose you see is a white or red rose that has been soaked in black dye. But don’t worry, rose breeders are busy developing roses with darker and darker petals.
Why Goth Gardens are Growing in Popularity
Goth gardens are growing in popularity for several reasons. They offer an aesthetic departure from more traditional, brightly colored gardens. Thus, they, appeal to individuals looking for a garden that makes a statement or reflects a more personal, unique style.
Additionally, goth gardens can be therapeutic, providing a serene, shaded retreat from the outside world. They also allow gardeners to experiment with plant varieties and garden accessories that are not commonly used in conventional gardening.
Integrating a Goth Garden into Your Landscape
A goth garden can fit various parts of a typical backyard or landscape. It can be designed as a secluded corner for reflection or integrated into the main garden to provide contrast with brighter areas. Smaller urban yards or shaded areas that receive less sunlight are particularly suited for goth gardens, as many plants favored in gothic gardening prefer less direct light.
These gardens can be a stunning backdrop for evening outdoor gatherings, providing a unique setting that captivates guests. Whether as a small, dedicated corner or a more expansive garden theme, goth gardens offer a personal escape. Your goth garden can tailor-made for contemplation and the celebration of nature’s darker beauty.
Here are the top black plants for a truly spooktackular goth garden.
Top Plants for a Goth Garden
To create the perfect goth garden, consider these striking plants known for their dark hues and dramatic presence.
Here’s a detailed look at some goth garden plants, focusing on their growing requirements, blooming period, mature size, and availability. To make it easier to find these plants, we have included links. Home Garden and Homestead is a member of the Amazon Associates program, and we earn a small commission (at no cost to you) when you purchase using one of our links. Thank for supporting this website!
‘Queen of Night’ Tulips
Tulips bloom early in the growing season, so “Queen of Night” tulips are a great way to welcome spring to your Goth Garden. The velvety maroon-black petals are both beautiful and creepy at the same time.
Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Water Requirements: Moderate; prefers well-drained soil
- Cold Hardiness: USDA zones 3-8
- Blooming Period: Mid to late spring
- Mature Size: Up to 24 inches tall
- Availability: Available at most garden centers and online retailers like Netherland Bulb or Hirts Bulbs .
‘Black Star’ Calla Lily
The dark burgundy purple to black flowers really stand out against the plant’s medium green leaves with white spots. Great for goth gardens and goth cut flower displays and wedding bouquets.
- Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Water Requirements: Keep them moist during the growing season
- Cold Hardiness: USDA zones 9-11. In colder climates, dig up the bulbs in the fall and store them in a cool, dry place like a basement.
- Blooming Period: Spring and summer
- Mature Size: Can reach 18-24 inches tall and 12 inches wide.
- Availability: These can be found at local nurseries or online at Holland Bulb Farms or Amazon.
‘Chocolate Cherry’ Sunflowers
Sunflowers are easy to grow from seed and become a focal point in a garden. Sow the seeds after the risk of spring frost has passed. In the fall, harvest the seeds for next year’s planting.
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Water Requirements: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
- Cold Hardiness: Not frost tolerant; grown as an annual
- Blooming Period: Summer to early fall
- Mature Size: Up to 6-8 feet tall
- Availability: Seeds are available online from Burpee or Amazon.
Black Knight Hollyhocks
One of the kings of black plants in the garden. At more than 6 feet tall, hollyhocks make a real statement in the garden. Plant the seeds against a wall or fence for a great goth garden backdrop.
- Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Water Requirements: Moderate
- Cold Hardiness: USDA zones 3-8
- Blooming Period: Summer
- Mature Size: 6-8 feet tall
- Availability: Buy seeds online at https://amzn.to/4aBmYEO
‘Black Scallop’ Ajuga
A goth garden filled with black plants (or even plants with dark leaves that aren’t completely black) benefits from a dark groundcover. ‘Black Scallop’ Ajuga is a good choice. It’s easy to grow, and it even offers a short spike of lavender flowers in the spring.
- Sun Requirements: Full sun to full shade
- Water Requirements: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant
- Cold Hardiness: USDA zones 4-9
- Blooming Period: Spring
- Mature Size: 3-6 inches tall, spreading wider
- Availability: Available at garden centers and online. Buy plants on Amazon.
‘Old Black Magic’ Iris
Looking for an awesome goth black flower? Iris flowers are easy to grow, and ‘Old Black Magic’ is about as black as flowers get. Plus, this perennial plant with come back into bloom year after year.
- Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Water Requirements: Moderate, prefers well-drained soils
- Cold Hardiness: USDA zones 4-9
- Blooming Period: Late spring to early summer
- Mature Size: Up to 36 inches tall
- Availability: Often available at specialty bulb suppliers or on Amazon.
Winecraft Black Smokebush
A goth garden featuring black plants benefits from a large shrub with dark-colored leaves. The foliage on a Winecraft Black Smokebush starts out dark purple. But as the summer progresses the leaves turn darker and more black. Plus, the tufts of blooms look like a puff of smoke from a distance. Very goth, indeed!
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Water Requirements: Needs regular watering
- Cold Hardiness: USDA zones 4-8
- Blooming Period: Summer (but you’re not really growing this shrub for the blooms)
- Mature Size: This smokebush will grow 4-6 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide
- Availability: Available from local nurseries and on Amazon.
‘Black Prince’ Snapdragon
This striking snapdragon is an easy to grow plant with blooms of darkest crimson. The bronzy foliage complements the look of a goth garden beautifully.
- Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Water Requirements: Moderate
- Cold Hardiness: Grown as an annual; not frost-tolerant
- Blooming Period: Spring through fall
- Mature Size: 18 inches tall and 12 inches wide
- Availability: A packet of 100 seeds sells for about $10 from Park Seed or Amazon.
‘Black Bowles’ Viola
Viola plants, also called Johnny Jump-ups, are delightful spring flowers. They are mostly grown as annuals. But they reseed easily, and can naturalize in your garden to return year after year.
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Water Requirements: Tolerates a wide range of moisture, but like well-drained soil
- Cold Hardiness: USDA zones 4-8
- Blooming Period: Spring to summer
- Mature Size: 4-8 inches tall and wide
- Availability: Seeds are available at garden centers or on Amazon.
‘Dragon’s Blood’ Sedum
Yes, we know a great goth garden features black plants (or nearly black plants). But blood-red is an awesome goth garden color, too. Especially when the plant is called ‘Dragon’s Blood’ Sedum. This is an easy-to-grow groundcover that you will love.
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Water Requirements: Low; drought-tolerant
- Cold Hardiness: USDA zones 3-9
- Blooming Period: Late summer to fall
- Mature Size: 4-6 inches tall, 18-24 inches wide
- Availability: Commonly available at garden centers, and seeds are available at Amazon.
Design Ideas for a Goth Garden
In addition to the black plants in a goth garden, it’s fun to incorporate other spooky gothic garden design elements. Check out our story How to Create a Goth Garden. Also consider the dark and mysterious vibe by adding one or more of the design elements below.
- Wrought Iron Gates or Fencing: Adds an old-world, Victorian gothic charm.
- Stone Statues and Urns: Weathered stone statues of angels, gargoyles, or mythical creatures can serve as dramatic focal points.
- Dark Mulch or Gravel: Using black or dark-colored mulch can immediately give the garden a darker feel.
- Gothic Arches and Pergolas: These structures not only support climbing plants but also contribute to the architectural style reminiscent of gothic cathedrals.
- Dim, Ambient Lighting: Soft, low lighting with lanterns or solar lights can mimic moonlight, enhancing the garden’s mystique at night.
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